Gastroparesis

     Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach doesn't function properly.  Strong muscle contractions propel food through your digestive tract.  If you have gastroparesis those muscle contractions work poorly or not at all.  There is no cure - only treatment.  It is a long-lasting (chronic) condition.  Diabetes does cause gastroparesis and it can be very uncomfortable dealing with it.
     It may involve a nerve that controls the stomach muscles (vagus nerve).  The vagus nerve is responsible for keeping the digestive tract in working order, contracting the muscles of the stomach and intestines to help process food, and sending back information about what is being digested and what the body is getting out of it.  The vagus nerve is responsible for a number of instinctive responses in the body but we will deal with it only as it pertains to gastroparesis.
     Most likely you have heard of rugae.  Rugae is a series of ridges produced by folding of the wall of an organ.  Usually the term rugae is applied to the internal surface of the stomach. The function of the rugae is to allow the stomach, or other areas of the digestive system to expand when needed.  The rugae is what causes the stomach to get large after you eat a large meal and so forth.  As you digest your food the stomach goes down.  People who have diabetes and gastroparesis have more difficult at controlling their blood sugar because when food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestines blood sugar rises making control more of a challenge. 
     What are some of the problems you may experience if you have gastroparesis? To name a few:

• Poor blood sugar control
• Nausea
• Feeling full too quickly
• Have a poor appetite and some weight loss - until it is regulated
• Abdominal bloating
• Heartburn
• Constipation

Food that stays in the stomach too long can ferment, which can lead to the growth of bacteria.  This may disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria leading to harmful microorganisms that can grow out of control and cause problems.
You could get a bozoar.  A bozoar is a solid mass of indigestible material that can accumulate in your digestive tract, sometimes causing a blockage.  They usually form in the stomach, sometimes in the small intestines or, but rarely, in the large intestines.  Bozoars can also cause lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount. 

How can you treat gastroparesis?
They do have some medication you can take but I have it and prefer to control it without medication.

• 1. Modify your daily eating habits. Instead of eating three times a day, eat six small meals.  This puts less food in the stomach.  You should have less nausea and better control.
• Change the consistency of your food.  Liquids and low residue foods are encouraged.  For example, eat applesauce instead of a whole apple.
• Avoid foods that are high in fat and fiber

There are other procedures but start with the above.  You need to see a doctor for the more severs cases.  Gastroparesis will definitely affect your diabetes.